It's starting to look an awfully lot like Christmas

 

Forecast today is for 11 degrees with a possibility of rain so you may, need your umbrellas. In Cyprus the temperature is due to go up to 15 degrees, so not that much difference.

And here we go again, another start to another week and this one should be an exciting week.  I have lots and lots planned but then again, I expect we all have at this time of year.  Paul is home today getting delivery of the new fridge freezer, phew. Just in the nick of time.  I think he is hoping to get a few odd jobs done too, you know the little things that get overlooked.

We have managed to get all the decorations up and the house is looking an awful lot like Christmas now, its lovely.  Just needs to get the smell of baking of the mince pies mmmm

I have a few hours of work this morning and then home to lots of little Christmas preperations.  Hopefully this week will see me having coffee with friends, a little Christmas shopping, not so many chores ohh, I do have to dismantle the craft room as well, which is a bit of a pain but hay, it has to be done. I have a couple of special cards to make, which I have been commissioned to do along with a few special "santa keys" so they will be fun.

I have 11 young adults arriving next Sunday and Monday and a little puppy arriving on Sunday so life will get rather hectic.  I am hoping that they all have their own laptops/ipads and I can continue to use my computer but, just in case, I will have to schedule a few posts, (obviously the puppy wont have a laptop).

TAH DAH for today is this lovely card which I have received.  Isnt it smashing. Thank you

Did I tell you that I have secured us a room to make Christmas Cards on the second Friday of every month in the evening?  I am so pleased about this but more details and news after this Christmas.

Thanks for nipping in and having a read.  Have a wonderful Monday

Knitted Gloves

 

You could be needing an umbrella today, the forecast is for some rain so, be prepared.

Yesterday I had a wander to a Christmas Fayre with my sis.  We walked down to the venue in the fresh air and it was just what I needed.  I won on the tombolla and purchased a pair of gloves for the tree. 

Knitted gloves for my little tree.  When we got home, Paul had returned YEAH but he is not a well man, bless him.  I did get the biggest bunch of flowers from him, he really is very thoughtful and I am so lucky.

It's Pams birthday today, Happy Birthday Mrs. and I hope you have a lovely day.  I was really efficient, gave Pam her card etc. a couple of weeks ago and this is another card I didnt take a photo of tut tut.

Today I am cleaning windows, washing nets and making a few little bits and pieces in the craft room so a busy one.

Today's TAH DAH is this lovely little tea light which has been decorated with Washi Tape and put on one of the amazing flower punches from Stampin' Up!  I think its wonderful.

 

Thanks for having a read today, have a lovely day and I do hope you stay dry.

Saturday, lots of photos and a specail TAH DAH

 It is going to be a damp day today so be prepared.  I am going to be a busy little bee most of the morning but I can tell you about that tomorrow.

What a lovely day yesterday was, after my stint at work we went out for a team lunch and I had a carvery, for a change.  I was naughty as I had apple pie, ice cream and coffee afterwards but, it is Christmas. 
I got this lovely bottle of homemade blackcurrent vodka
 
from one of my work collegues along with the secret santa gift of this hand creme

Along with the Secret Santa gift for ??????? this is what I gave all the ladies, something that I had made.

 

 

I wish I had known that everyone was going to wear a Christmas hat as I would have worn mine, I have a lovely one that hasn't been out for a while now.  Never mind.

Then it was back home, grab all the crafting bits and off I  went to Derby Dabblers Christmas fuddle.  That was brilliant, lots of ladies, a few children and grandchildren, tons of food and Christmas Carols in the background.  I have a couple of photos but to see them all, nip over to the Derby Dabblers Blog as they are all on there.

It was wonderful to see everyone and, if you are thinking of joining us next year, you would be most welcome.  Same and Jane joined us for the first time and I do hope that they enjoyed it enough to come back next year.

And for todays TAH DAH

I got this fantastic handmade card from Sean, probably one of the best cards I will get this year. What do you think?

I am well impressed with Stampin' Up! today, again.  I placed a rush order in on Thursday for someone who has to have something next week and guess what, it is being delivered on Monday.  Now that is fantastic, not too many companys can send you items, from abroad in that short time.

I now have to put everything away from last night.  Unfortunately my wheely box broke and all the contents scattered onto a wet pavement.  Thanks for nipping in, have a wonderful Saturday.

The Coco-Cola Lorry and Tah Dah

Whoop whoop, it's Friday and a Happy Birthday to my neices (that is nephews daughters) Lilly-Mae and Elianne as they are 11 today.  Can you believe that I didnt take photos of their cards??? how bad am I but, I do have enough on my plate so I can be let off, this once.

The washing machine is playing up, I put it on yesterday and it sounds like a jet engine about to take off, honestly.  I managed to get a load done but I dont know how many other loads will get done.  I really cant get a new machine before Christmas, I will just have to visit family and friends....with a laundry bag. I am waiting for a new freezer, just what I wanted for Christmas, snigger.

So yesterday "I broke the back of it" which is a rough translation from Greek to English meaning that most of it is now done ready for santa and all the other visitors but, I have lost a Christmas card.  I dont know if I have put it in an envelope and addressed it to someone else, if I have thrown it away or if it has just vanished so I have to remake it today.

Also yesterday I went and got rid of some cobwebs in the town center (in the rain) and saw the Coca Cola Lorry, it was lovely as there is a little craft market there too.  A nice wander around
 
 

Here is a TAH DAH for today

 Which turns into this

 Isnt it wonderful?  Something else I received from the Convention, oh yes, there is still tons of stuff to show you, I really was very lucky.

Thank you for having a read, have a wonderful Friday and I hope you manage to stay dry.  The forecast for today is rain.

Some Tah Dahs

brrr, it really is cold outside, yes I have been out already, to put the bin out. I forgot to do it last night, along with a few more things that I forgot to do.

Yesterday I discovered that I had lost another 2lbs when I went to the fat club whoop whoop, this diet  is paying off.  Just got to try and keep it up best I can over the next couple of festive weeks.  Festive, goodness, I cant believe I am not ready for Santa yet.

Have you had a look at all the goodies on offer from Stampin' Up! anything take your fancy?  I have been a little naughty as I couldnt resist the card and if you know me, you will know, I just really need more card lol.  If you would like to place an order for some Stamping' Up! items, please, get in touch on 01332 721877 or use the online shop, a few people have said how easy it is to shop online, which is great news.

Tomorrow is Derby Dabblers, that is a craft club, at St. Martin's Church Hall in Allenton, Derby which normally meet the first Friday of each month.  Yes I know that tomorrow is the second Friday but the hall was busy last week.  So, if you fancy making a tag or two, join in with the fuddle and take part in secret santa, please do.  All new friends are welcome.  Just get in touch and I can give you directions.  The cost is £3 per person, £2 for teenages and this covers the price of the hall and hot drinks.

Some more TAH DAHs for you.  Isnt this cracker smashing?

 It is full of Chocolates, a wonderful idea and a way of using those pretty Christmas papers too.  I shall have to make myself a few of these at the new Christmas Card Club that will be starting in the New Year, and  another Tah Dah

Thank you so much for these, I am so lucky to have so many crafting friends.

Thanks for having a read today, have a wonderful day, whatever you are up to

Midweek Musing

You know how my day started off badly yesterday, it got worse.  Thankfully I have learnt to laugh at these situations and I am not too proud to ask for help when it is needed.

I got home from work to find my fridge and freezer broken, kaput, not working and leaking all over the kitchen floor.  I had one hour to sort this, eat lunch, hoover and finish sorting the SU orders out, well I did it, in the nick of time. I now have borrowed a fridge and a freezer, my neice has her freezer full of food that I could not waste and, I have to find the right one to order to get mine replaced.  Brother in law did some shifting around for me and at half 6 last night we were travelling up the A5111 picking up fridge and freezer and bringing it back to mine before a group of ladies turned up at 7pm to collect orders, have coffee and cake and you know what, I just chilled, phew.

Today I have done my shift at work and now its time to get cracking on those final Christmas cards that need doing. 

Did you know its clearance time at Stampin' Up!  up to 80% off, please dont miss a bargain, there is card and card and card at silly prices.  All you have to do is click on Shop Now which is a little further down my blog, go to products and clearance items....it couldnt be any easier.

Tah Dah....

My first hand made Christmas card arrived on my door mat.  Thank you so much, it is lovely.

Thanks for having a read, if you need help with ordering call me, 01332 721877.  Have a lovely afternoon and evening

Tuesday at Tracey's

 

 Just a very quick post today as I am late for the morning job.  Time is just running out with me today...do you ever have that kind of day?  I was up early (even though it was gone midnight when I went to bed) and everything that I am doing is just taking forever for instance, I wanted to put the rubbish out.....where are the keys for the door? the rubbish bag splits as I take it out of the bin, rubbish has gone everywhere, the floor has to be swept up, then I have to get the floor wipped down, then put dettol on it so, a quick 2 minute job has taken 15 minutes......you get the picture.

Another Christmas card to share with you, love my snowmen





Well today is Tuesday's at Traceys and there wont be any home made biscuits, because they were awful but we will have some little cakes, when I finish them after my morning at work.  Most of the SU orders arrived (but not the envelope boards which are due later this week), most of the orders are ready, just a few to finish off and there is plenty of milk, tea and coffee, so at least we can have a cuppa.  If you are free from 2pm onwards then please, do call in.

Have a lovely Tuesday and please keep your fingers crossed that the day gets better. 

Countdown to Santas Visit

Another week and another Monday morning.  I think I will just take Mondays off work for a while after Christmas.

These photographs that were taken in a photo booth with some of my Stampin' Up! team friends when I went to Manchester a few weeks ago.  I love memories like this. We all crammed ourselves into a photo booth (except Alison)  and "puff" the shot was taken

There are a few more but you dont want to see those, honest.  Oh, okay then, just one more but I did warn  you.

I have finished all my Christmas tags and the bits that are left have been put in this wonderful box that I am taking with me to Derby Dabblers on Friday to start the Christmas tags for next year.  You can never have too many tags or start making them too early.

Note the BIG bow and the wonderful papers, all Stampin' Up! of course.  I received a lovely team gift in this box, which I will show you another time.

Dont forget that the CCC  is starting in January,  Christmas Card and Chatter club.  I am just waiting for someone from the church to get back in touch with me with the price for the room. Fingers crossed we can use this during the evening of the 2nd Friday of each month.

I hope you have a lovely Monday

Strawberries on Sunday

Today is the second day I was up at 4.30a.m., I will most certainly be having a nap this afternoon.
Today I am dressing the tree, it must be cold being naked.  I am also finishing off a few cards, doing some ironing and a few chores and cant wait to get stuck in. Then I really will be having 40 winks or so later.

How about these little beauties? 

I had some last night as pudding, a few more with breakfast today and, by the end of the week I guess I will be looking like a strawberry.  8th December and wonderful strawberries in the shop, amazing.  I have either been missing out all these years or they are not normally in the shops.  I paid £2.50 for both punnets from the local greengrocer and boy, are they tasty.


Tag-tastic is what I can say about this.

It was another swap I was given at the Stampin' Up! convention and I will take it along with me on Friday as Friday is the Derby Dabblers Christmas Fuddle.  I am really looking forward to this night out.  We have a secret santa, lots of nibbles (which everyone will bring with them) and we are going to make a few tags....perfect.  If you fancy coming along, please do.  Its at St. Martins Church Hall in Allenton, Derby, DE24 9BG and starts at 6.30pm.  New friends are always welcome.

I hear that the weather forecast is for a bit warmer temperatures over the next few days, which is good.  I may get time to get outside and clear up all the damage caused by the winds, broken plants, leaves everywhere, lots of plastic and rubbish appeared.  Thankfully, there was no damage, just a job to do in a bit of sunshine.

If you fancy a cuppa and a nibble on Tuesday, I am having my last Tuesday at Tracey's for this year.  I am expecting a couple of Stampin' Up! orders tomorrow too, which is always a bonus.  It will be an open house from 2pm ish so please, do call in.

Off to start my day, I hope you have a lovely one and, thanks for nipping in for a read.

Happy Birthday Kirsty

Phew, its the end of the week and what an end.  I do hope that everyone who reads this was not too badly affected (or should that be effected)? by yesterdays high winds.  I must say that I was being chased by a big black wheelie bin or two when I came home at lunch time.  I got soaked in the evening and was really pleased to get into bed.

I was really looking forward to going out last night to a candle party but it just wasnt meant to be.  Other things cropped up so I missed out but, I did put in a sneaky little order.  When goodies arrive I shall share them with you.

So instead of going out, I spent the evening on the phone and computer and putting up a few more decorations.  The advent calendar went up, a little late but better late than never, and here is a photo of it, just in case you havent seen it before.

The tree is up but it is naked so I cant show you (it is really naked) but hopefully getting dressed over the weekend. A few more cards got written, the soup got made, the weekly plan got done and I must say, next week is looking pretty calm at the moment.

Just a reminder that if you would like Stampin' Up! goodies under your Chrsitmas tree this year, this weekend is the last order I shall be placing prior to Christmas which I know will arrive in time.  After the weekend, I cant guarantee deliveries, I can try my best but I cant guarantee them.

It is a Happy Birthday to Kirsty today, our niece.  Here is the card that I made for her


I do hope that she has a lovely day.

Thanks for reading the blog today, I hope all is well in your world.

A guest card maker on my blog today

Good morning on this very cold Thursday.  The forecast this morning is cold and lots of wind brrrr. It will be my hat and gloves today, that is for sure.

Cover your ears, rant about to begin - Monday I telephoned hobbycraft, do you have the willow tree and do you have the insides of crackers, you know, the bits that go bang, yes and yes I was told. Great.  Tuesday, along with my 25% off voucher I went to hobby craft, willow tree, no but I can get you a display one, fine.  Inside of crackers, no.ohhh.  Never mind, I got a few bits and went to till.  I said I have a promotional code, okay she says, I will take it off, then we had to move till, then she dropped something etc. etc.  I got home, unloaded, receipt out, discount, not taken off.  It then took me over half an hour to talk to someone on the phone, to tell them about discount.  Fortunately the 25% will be taken off next week, when I go back.....rant over.

How about this card here?


This was made by Jacqui W (my guest today) who is a crafting friend.  Isnt it wonderful.  Jacqui hasnt been crafting for too long and she makes stunning cards.  Have you made some cards recently?  I would love to share them on my blog.

Arrr,  here is another Christmas card that I made, opps I can see that I do need photography lessons, I can see the shadow of my hand on this.

Well, its off to work for me then I have a mad afternoon of sorting out more tags, a birthday card for one of my lovely nieces and a candle party tonight, its all go.

Have a lovely day and thanks for having a read.

A terrific Tuesday

Good morning and if this is Winter, I can cope with it.

Yesterday I was up so early and in town just as all the shops were opening.  It was fresh, clean and crisp.  I cant really explain it any other way.  I got quite a bit of shopping done to send to Santa and was home by 10am.  Was hoping that Paul would be spending the afternoon with me, wrapping up pressies, putting up tree etc. etc. when I got a telephone call, he has to go away to work again.  Never mind, we did have a mad weekend together, finishing off the living room, new carpet, new curtains all up and looking lovely.  So I have 10 days to wrap the pressies and get everything else sorted, in between going out to friends house crafting, a candle party, two xmas dinners, two nights out to Slimmers World and who knows what else. 

After a lunch of jacket potato and beans I went and did a big Sainsbury shop and then I managed to get some wrapping done, coffee with a friend or two before an evening of more wrapping, more hoovering (I cant stop hoovering the new living room carpet) and it was off to bed early.

Yesterday I walked into the garden and there is this really strong smelling plant.  It took me ages to discover which one it is but TAH DAH, this is it.


Mum in law loved this plant and it has never ever smelt the way it does now.  It is as though there is a Yankee candle outside, the smell is so strong or is the correct word pungent?  A few years ago (about 7)  I wanted to cut it down, it is big, just had leaves and it did nothing but Paul, who knew best, said leave it a while.  I am so pleased I did.

So today its back to work before coffee with a friend, a little light shopping at hobbycraft, tea and then out to a friends crafting.  Who is turning into the social bird.

Here is the Christmas card for today, its another one from the Wishing You stamp set which is great for cards, tags and then birthday cards too.  I will show you the birthday cards once Santa has been.

Here is a lovely tag card that I received from the convention, it is a spinner card which means that the little disc with Santas head on moves around.

Thanks for having a read and wishing you a terrific Tuesday